Nigerias minister of works, David Umahi, has scheduled meeting with cement manufacturers to address the increasing costs of the product and disparities between ex-factory and market prices.

There are reports that a bag of cement has increased to as much as N15,000 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja while in some states, it sells for N9,500.

A spokesman for Umahi said the Minister was more concerned due to the significant demand from road and housing contractors to the manufacturers of cement.

It is common knowledge that the manufacturers have their challenges, which we shall look into, Umahi was quoted as saying.

However, from our findings, the disparity between ex-factory price and the market price is wide.

We, therefore, need to look into the situation and other issues with a view to finding a common front.

Those invited to the urgent meeting, according to the Special Adviser to the Minister of Works include Dangote Plc, BUA Plc, Larfarge and some other manufacturers. (The Guardian)